Fan column: Rob Edwards deserves proper Wolves backing

A couple of drawn games making for an insubstantial return of just five points accrued from the 30 on offer. Any notion of the apocryphal ‘new manager bounce’ having no foundation. 

His first four home games notable only for the excruciatingly awful performances with Edwards himself seemingly at a loss to impart any significant remedial action. Even the belated win came with much qualification; West Ham were berated, their performance dubbed as the most inept surrender served up by any Premier League team all season. 

The Hammers feebly succumbing to the worst team in the league, a Wolves’ outfit who previously hadn’t registered a win in eight calendar months. Any ringing endorsement for either Edwards or his players resoundingly keyed onto silent mode. 

Safe to say, an inauspicious beginning but although the statistics may not lie, they don’t reveal the full truth either. To suggest that the club has turned any sort of inspirational corner would be simply disingenuous, but given the dire circumstances that Edwards inherited, some hint of rehabilitation is apparent. 

The first three away matches he faced were no doubt some of the toughest on the fixture list and unsurprisingly all ended in defeat but at Villa, Arsenal and Liverpool, Wolves were better organised, more bloody-minded and essentially more competitive than at any other time this season. 

Had they accrued points in these matches, it would not have been undeserved. 

Leaving such frustrations aside, to follow up with drawn games at Manchester United and Everton was an indication of a stiffening of resolve so lacking for too long. In fact, both games may have been viewed as two missed opportunities with potential winning positions not quite redeemed. 

Individual players appear re-energised; Jose Sa taking charge of his area more, punching cross balls confidently. Hwang Hee-chan, determination renewed, staying on his feet, no longer tumbling incessantly. Jhon Arias, finally showing evidence of influence. Strand Larsen shedding his introversion. Hugo Bueno and David Moller-Wolfe both in form igniting competition for a berth in the team. 

Krejci and Arokodare, looking like shrewd purchases and Mane, without inhibition, a real jewel in the crown. 

Small steps and some won’t be here next season, but Edwards will be and he deserves proper backing to allow him to forge genuine sustained progress.